A Visita Iglesia to Cavite

St. Mary Magdalene Church in Kawit
Built in 1638, the St. Mary Magdalene Church in Kawit, Cavite is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. During the Spanish time, the town was known to be a “red light district” and was frequented by Spanish marines. To change its bad reputation, St. Mary Magdalene was declared to patron saint of the town by then Manila Archbishop Miguel Garcia Serrano. Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Republic of the Philippines was baptized in this church.

Church of the Holy Cross inTanza
The original Church of the Holy Cross was built in 1839 but was completely destroyed by an earthquake 20 years after. The current structure was a reconstructed version of the original church. The Baroque style church played an important role in Philippine history. Following his election as president of the Revolutionary government, Emilio Aguinaldo took his oath on the parish convent hall, now known as Panumpaang Bayan, on March 23, 1897.

Diocesan Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Naic
The semi-gothic architecture of the Diocesan Shrine of the Immaculate Conception church is said to be the tallest (five-storey high), the longest (about two blocks) and the most magnificent church in the province of Cavite. It was built by the very influential Dominican friars, who were said to be responsible in making Naic a separate municipality in the 17th century. Naic used to be merely a barangay of Maragondon.

Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Maragondon

The Parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The church was built by the Jesuits using river rocks in 1618. The church is known for its intricately carved retablos around the church. It was said that the Bonifacio brothers were kept here during their trial. The National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) declared the church a Natural Cultural Treasure in July 31, 2001.

St Francis of Assisi Church in Gen. Trias

The St. Francis Church was first built by the Franciscan missionaries in 1611.It was later rebuilt in stone in 1769. Beside the church is a wood statue of St. Francis that was carved in a century old Acacia tree. Situated between the town hall and a huge plaza, the church is also the place where Banda Matanda practiced the “Marcha Filipino” before it was played in Kawit for the Declaration of Philippine Independence.

Nuestra Señora del Pilar Cathedral of Imus

In 1765, the Augustinian Recollects founded a parochial church under the patronage of NuestraSeñora del Pilar (Our Lady of the Pillar) and St. John the Baptist. In 1823, the church was moved to its current location. In 1961, Pope John XXIII created a separate bishopric from Manila and the church was declared a Cathedral and the Seat of the Diocese of Imus and the whole province of Cavite. Most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, D.D., S.T.D. is the present Bishop of Imus.

St. Michael the Archangel of Bacoor

The St.Micheal the Archangel is made of large stone blocks built in 1752. Fr. Mariano Gomes of Gomburza (the three martyred priests) was the parish priest of Bacoor parish for forty years before his arrest by the Spanish Authorities. Fr. Gomes was charged for leading the failed Cavite mutiny in 1872.